Couple pleads guilty in immigrant workers case
Published July 25, 2008
GREENBELT, Md. (AP) — Two members of a family that owns a popular chicken restaurant in Wheaton have pleaded guilty to charges related to the employment of illegal immigrants.
Prosecutors say 56-year-old Francisco Solano and his wife, 60-year-old Ines Hoyos-Solano, both of Germantown, pleaded guilty Thursday to money laundering in U.S. District Court.
Francisco Solano also pleaded guilty to harboring illegal immigrants and structuring bank transactions to avoid financial reporting requirements.

Both face up to 20 years in prison for money laundering, while Francisco Solano faces an additional 15 years for the other charges.

Two other family members pleaded guilty in the case last month.

As part of a plea agreement, Francisco Solano has agreed to forfeit $7.2 million in cash, property and other assets. Ines Hoyos-Solano has agreed to forfeit more than $1.5 million.
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bi ... _25-14/REG